Our Traditions

List of 12 items.

• Barbara Wilkes Field Day

  One of Highland’s most spirited and enduring traditions, Barbara Wilkes Field Day brings the legendary Blue vs. Gold rivalry to life each spring. Traceable back to 1974, the competition evolved from seasonal Middle School sports games into a campus-wide celebration of athleticism, team spirit, and sportsmanship.
  
  In 2007, the event was named in o honor long-time Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher Barbara Wilkes upon her retirement. Field Day has challenged students across generations to compete in events ranging from sprint relays and obstacle courses to softball and accuracy throws.
  
  Anchored by Blue and Gold team captains, these 8th graders are chosen for both academic distinction and exemplary sportsmanship, the day combines high-energy pep rallies, friendly athletic competition, and school pride. The event culminates with the crowning of the year’s winning team and the presentation of the coveted Best Athlete and Spirit of the Hawk awards.

• Convocation

  The traditional start to the academic year. Students and faculty from all divisions gather in the Gary W. Leake Gymnasium for our first all-school gathering each year. Parents are invited to attend and speakers often include Upper School student-leaders and the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

• Enkijape Rummage Sale

  Demonstrating Highland’s commitment to global citizenship and service, the Enkijape Rummage Sale is a deeply meaningful annual tradition rooted in a global partnership that is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
  
  This event was established in 2008 when Highland formed an enduring connection with the Enkijape School in Kenya. This community-wide fundraiser mobilizes students, faculty, alumni, and local families  for our sister school. Together, the Highland community donates items, volunteer hours, and support to raise vital funds that directly subsidize student scholarships and faculty salaries at Enkijape.
  
  Beyond its financial impact, the sale serves as a living lesson in cross-cultural empathy, teamwork, and global stewardship. It reinforces for our students that a small act of local leadership can create life-changing opportunities half a world away.

• Famous People Day

  Combining research, public speaking, and creative expression, the Second Grade Famous Persons Project is a standout academic tradition that brings history to life.
  
  Throughout this project, second graders explore the lives of remarkable figures who made a positive impact on the world, from scientists and civil rights leaders to artists and innovators. For the project's culmination, each student selects one inspiring figure to research deeply and feature on a detailed display board.
  
  The learning culminates in an energetic Lower School assembly where students dress as their chosen icon, step up to the microphone, and deliver clever clues to help parents and peers to guess their identity. This beloved presentation builds early research skills, inspires civic character, and helps our young learners develop confidence speaking in front of an audience.

• Highland School Auction

  As Highland’s most anticipated gathering of the year, the Highland Auction brings together parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and local supporters for a high-energy evening of community and giving.
  
  Held each spring, this signature tradition relies on the collaborative spirit of our entire school. Committee volunteers, local business sponsors, and families donate items and host tables. Guests gather to enjoy a lively silent and live auction featuring unique experiences, class projects, and donated treasures.
  
  More than just an anticipated and celebrated party, every dollar raised directly bridges the gap between tuition and the full cost of a Highland education. Funds raised support essential classroom resources, faculty initiatives, arts, and athletic programs. The Auction stands as a powerful annual reminder of what our community can accomplish when we gather in shared dedication to our students’ futures.

• Homecoming

  For decades, Homecoming has been taking place each October. Families and alumni are invited to campus for athletic events and fun activities. This is our chance to bring the wider Highland community to campus to reconnect. 
  
  

  The Homecoming dance takes place the Saturday night of Homecoming Week. In the past, events have included parades, car shows, inflatable games, class competitions, and talent shows that often determine the outcome of Spirit Week. 

   

• Kindergarten/Senior Buddies

  Bridging the beginning and end of the Highland journey, the Kindergarten and Senior Buddies program creates lasting bonds across opposite ends of our campus.
  
  Throughout the school year, our youngest Hawks and graduating seniors gather for special meetups to read together, complete creative projects, and share time on the playground. For seniors, serving as a buddy offers a meaningful opportunity to practice leadership, empathy, and mentorship as they reflect on their own school journey.
  
  For kindergartners, having a senior buddy provides a welcoming role model and a friendly face to wave to in the hallways. This cherished tradition reinforces Highland’s close-knit community, ensuring every student feels known, connected, and celebrated from their very first steps on campus to their walk across the graduation stage.

• Lower School Class Plays

  From Kindergarten through Grade 4, every Lower School class takes center stage for one month each year to prepare and perform their very own Class Play. Whether bringing classroom units to life or diving into imaginative, playful stories, students take full ownership of their roles by memorizing lines, stepping into costume, and developing real stage presence.
  
  These productions offer our youngest Hawks a safe, joyful environment to practice public speaking, collaborate with peers, and build natural confidence before a live audience of families and classmates. By the time students transition to Middle School, taking the mic with a brave smile and articulate delivery feels like second nature.

• Spirit Week

  The week leading up to Homecoming is a celebration of school spirit. In the Lower School and Middle School, Blue and Gold are at the top of everyone's minds as third graders and new students are assigned to the team that will help define their Lower School and Middle School experiences.

• The Highland Classic

  Bringing together alumni, current parents, faculty, and local supporters, the annual Highland golf tournament is a signature community event that blends friendly competition with meaningful giving. Held each year Fauquier Springs Country Club, the day offers golfers of all skill levels an opportunity to reconnect, enjoy 18 holes, and compete for exciting awards and prizes.
  
  More than just a great afternoon on the greens, the tournament plays a vital role in advancing Highland’s mission, with proceeds directly supporting student programs and campus initiatives. It stands as a favorite tradition for celebrating our broad school community and the strong partnerships that propel Highland forward.

• The Mitten Tree

  A cherished Lower School tradition, The Mitten Tree brings winter warmth and hands-on service learning to life each holiday season. The project begins when a group of Lower School students visit a local tree farm to hand-select the perfect evergreen to be displayed in Chilton Commons.
  
  Throughout the month of December, Highland families donate hats, gloves, scarves, and cold-weather essentials. Led by our young learners, these donations are lovingly collected and gifted to the local Head Start program. This longstanding tradition teaches our youngest students the joy of giving back and reinforces our commitment to caring for the broader Fauquier County community.

• Wall of Fame

  Highland’s legacy of athletic excellence extends well beyond graduation through our Wall of Fame, which honors alumni who compete in at least two seasons of NCAA collegiate athletics.
  
  Each winter, during a marquee home basketball game, these accomplished student-athletes are welcomed back to campus for a special ceremony celebrating their dedication, resilience, and continued achievement at the college level.
  
  More than just an athletic honor, Wall of Fame Night is a cherished tradition that reconnects alumni with former coaches, faculty, and classmates while inspiring current Hawk athletes to dream big. It serves as a proud annual reminder of the strong foundation Highland provides and the lifelong bond shared by our community.